'Daisy Tells a Secret' takes top prizes in 2011

Daisy Tells a Secret, a film designed to help children break the silence around sexual abuse, now has four awards to its credit.

In 2010, HAVEN, a center for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence and sexual assault, commissioned One of Us Films to find a way to start the conversation between kids and adults about abuse. This year, the animated film garnered the following accolades, The Parents’ Choice “Recommended Seal”; Summit International Awards, “Summit Creative Award, Education Video, Silver”, the 32nd Annual Telly Awards, Education Video (for academic use), Silver Award and the 32nd Annual Telly Awards, People’s Telly Award, Bronze Award.

Daisy Tells a Secret is an animated story about personal safety and body ownership for children four to eight years old. The DVD includes interviews with psychology, safety and medical experts with the aim of helping adults navigate age appropriate conversations with children on the challenging subject of sexual abuse. The DVD was commissioned by HAVEN, which provides domestic violence and sexual assault treatment and prevention services in southeastern Michigan.

The film was produced by One of Us Films and was directed by Lora Probert and animated by Daniel Gillies. One of Us Films is a Detroit-based media production and distribution company; learn more at oneofusfilms.org

Positive response to the film has not only been from critics but from parents as well. One called it an invaluable resource to help young children learn crucial lessons about personal safety and body ownership. Another said the “greatest asset of this DVD is its precise and reliable information. It doesn't sugarcoat anything, yet it manages to deliver its message in a tone that is both tasteful and reassuring”.

There are two versions of the instructional DVDs. One is for parents that retails for $19.95 and one is for use by schools, educators, healthcare providers, and daycare and prevention centers that is available for $145.95.  The animation is available in English and Spanish, and a specially edited American Sign Language version. DVD excerpts and purchasing instructions are available at daisytellsasecret.com.